Are all resorts open?

[Anna H]

Hi, I was wondering if Caribbean beach and Coronado will still be open in September 2018? If so, what should we know about limitations? We had wanted to try Caribbean but didn't know if the dining areas are closed. Also, will Port Orleans be extra busy to compensate for the other resorts? I've heard that Disney hasn't seen a low crowd time of year for the parks so I'd like to find a somewhat quiet resort within the value-moderate price range. Thank you.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

They will still be open.

 

[TyphoonLegume]

Yes... both resorts are open... and both resorts are also heavily involved in construction. Room availability wont be affected at Caribbean Beach (outside of the original building closures when construction started) and Coronado is currently undergoing a room refurbishment that will see certain buildings closed as they do work.

Sadly, I'd expect Caribbean Beach to still be somewhat limited in amenities such as check-in/food court/sit down restaurant. It's hard to say though... and given that it's still nearly 6 months away... circumstances could certainly be different. They did recently open a new quick service location at the Trinidad South pool...

Coronado's amenities have been less affected and the rooms themselves boost the advantage of a current/on going refurbishment which is quite nice in my opinion... certainly the best over any moderate.

Both are still seeing high rise towers being constructed, as well as a gondola station on Caribbean Beach's property.

As you feared... this will see more crowds pushed a bit to Port Orleans... but Riverside, and even French Quarter, handle crowds well. Meaning, I don't think it's anything you would particularly notice. Resort occupancy rarely affects park crowd levels, and while September could see lower overall park crowds than normal... resorts could be just as 'booked' during September as they are in May... thanks to deep discounts such as Free Dinning and similar.

If you're planning on spending time at the resorts from 9-5... consider Port Orleans. If not, but a quick service restaurant still ranks high on your amenity list, consider Coronado. If your ok 'risking' that amenity a bit, give Caribbean Beach a try... it honestly ranks as our personal favorite.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

POFQ is also starting refurb.

 

[SA mom]

Disunplugged just had a great review of Coronado. They were pretty complimentary.

 

[Anna H]

Yes... both resorts are open... and both resorts are also heavily involved in construction. Room availability wont be affected at Caribbean Beach (outside of the original building closures when construction started) and Coronado is currently undergoing a room refurbishment that will see certain buildings closed as they do work.

Sadly, I'd expect Caribbean Beach to still be somewhat limited in amenities such as check-in/food court/sit down restaurant. It's hard to say though... and given that it's still nearly 6 months away... circumstances could certainly be different. They did recently open a new quick service location at the Trinidad South pool...

Coronado's amenities have been less affected and the rooms themselves boost the advantage of a current/on going refurbishment which is quite nice in my opinion... certainly the best over any moderate.

Both are still seeing high rise towers being constructed, as well as a gondola station on Caribbean Beach's property.

As you feared... this will see more crowds pushed a bit to Port Orleans... but Riverside, and even French Quarter, handle crowds well. Meaning, I don't think it's anything you would particularly notice. Resort occupancy rarely affects park crowd levels, and while September could see lower overall park crowds than normal... resorts could be just as 'booked' during September as they are in May... thanks to deep discounts such as Free Dinning and similar.

If you're planning on spending time at the resorts from 9-5... consider Port Orleans. If not, but a quick service restaurant still ranks high on your amenity list, consider Coronado. If your ok 'risking' that amenity a bit, give Caribbean Beach a try... it honestly ranks as our personal favorite.

Thank you. This is beyond helpful What would you say is my best bet for having a "quieter" experience? Port Orleans was amazingly quiet considering we were there around May. It felt like we had it all to ourselves. Is PO-R still our best option for low crowd level even with the refurbs in the other resorts? Most of the resorts are great but we'd love that peaceful resort experience again especially if September is a little less busy than May/June when we normally go. Coronado has my attention now with your description of it. I just didn't know if it was busier due to the convention center, etc.

 

[TyphoonLegume]

T... What would you say is my best bet for having a "quieter" experience? Port Orleans was amazingly quiet considering we were there around May. It felt like we had it all to ourselves. Is PO-R still our best option for low crowd level even with the refurbs in the other resorts...

Given the severe construction sites at both Coronado and Caribbean Beach... yes, 100%, Port Orleans is going to be a 'quieter' and more 'relaxed' atmosphere.

What you'll most likely see is deeper discounts offered at CBR and CSR to lure guests to stay there (think Free Dinning qualified resort) but overall, all 4 resorts will share similar occupancy. I suspect you would see no difference in resort crowds/bus traffic compared to your visit in May... it will all come down to the resort discounts Disney decides to offer!

If you don't see as deep of a discount for Port Orleans, you'll know Disney is already happy/content with it's current occupancy level. Given the discounts offered for that time of year (Free Dinning for both US and UK, 25%+ off room discounts)... September can see quite high resort occupancy levels even given the lower overall crowd levels.

POFQ is also starting refurb...

I actually somehow missed this refurbishment! Thanks for the heads up...

Overall I'm not super impressed, especially compared to CSR's... but honestly, with a resort like POFQ, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

OP, here's a link to some pictures...
http://www.portorleans.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2003#p7912

Disunplugged just had a great review of Coronado. They were pretty complimentary.

Forgot they were going to be posting these while away!

Overall... there's so many factors that go into resort occupancy. CSR's 'downfall' is that their occupancy level, IF a conference is ongoing... can be more 'suits' and 'adults' rather then 'families' and 'kids'...

This isn't always a bad thing though... as the conference crowds have a different daily agenda than your normal Disney Resort Guest... which means they're not always rushing to the food court for breakfast or hoping on the first bus to the Magic Kingdom. It can also take a bit of the 'Magic' away as well though... giving CSR a more 'standard' hotel feel... strolling back from an evening at the park to see a group of adults in the quiet pool chatting... or a good size crowd at the bar and restaurant areas.

Again, this is IF, a major conference is at the resort during your visit. CSR can also be an overflow resort for conferences at the Grand Floridian and Contemporary.

The recent room renovations and other amenities reflect their 'draw' for adult business travelers (as well as the new tower constriction,) as rumors continue to suggest the Contemporary Convention Center will close in the future.